2022 ACVIM Forum Research Report Program

is variable. Better methods of predicting outcome would aid in communication with individual pet owners and sub-division of research cohorts. The mitral regurgitation severity index (MRSI) was originally developed by VETPROOF (Veterinary Enalapril Trial to Prove Reduction in Onset Of Failure) investigators to predict MMVD outcome. While other promising indices are now available, MRSI is appealing in its simplicity. This abstract serves as the semi-nal report of MRSI's efficacy in prognosticating asymptomatic MMVD.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Our novel heartworm forceps facilitate safe and effective worm removal from dogs.

METHODS:
We retrospectively evaluated the use of our novel heartworm removal forceps in 10 dogs. The rotatable basket-shaped forceps have a 45-degree angle at the tip for easy access to the intracardiac and pulmonary arteries and the removal of many worms at a time. The number of worms pulled and short-term follow-up were reported for these 10 dogs.

RESULTS:
The procedure was performed under general anesthesia via right jugular venotomy with fluoroscopic guidance. Heartworms were found in the right atrium and right ventricle of all patients, including 1 patient found in the pulmonary artery. All patients had no complications during the removal. The mean (SD) number of removed heartworms was 21±14. No heartworms were detected by echocardiography in the heart and pulmonary arteries immediately and 10 days post-procedure in 7 dogs. In 3 dogs, 1 or 2 worms were visualized in the pulmonary arteries after the removal.    HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: Determination of a dose of Epidiolex ® in healthy cats necessary to achieve anticipated antiseizure therapeutic concentrations, and to determine relative oral bioavailability of fasted versus fed animals. We hypothesized that oral bioavailability would be higher in fed cats.
ANIMALS: 10 healthy cats from a research colony.

METHODS:
On study day, each cat received 5 mg/kg of CBD orally. Cats were randomized to be fed (n=5) or not fed (n=5) approximately 30 minutes prior to oral dosing. Blood samples were collected serially once prior to and following administration for 48 hrs. Following a 1-month washout, the study was repeated by crossing cats to the alternate fed state.
CONCLUSIONS: Epidiolex ® administered orally appears to reach potentially therapeutic concentrations in healthy cats and oral bioavailability increases with feeding. ANIMALS: A total of 662 cancer patients and healthy dogs were included in this study (528 dogs with cancer and 134 healthy dogs).

METHODS: Canine plasma samples from the NCI-DCTD biorepository and from active patients or healthy volunteers at a Small Animal
Teaching Hospital were purchased or collected with owner consent and IACUC approval, respectively, for this study. Samples were processed immediately and then stored at -80 C until they could be run in batches. The Nu.Q ® H3.1 total nucleosome ELISA assay was performed according to the manufacturer's protocol. METHODS: A pocket-sized ultrasound device was used to acquire 7 sonographic windows to assess the cardiorespiratory system. The duration of the examination was timed, and all images were evaluated for diagnostic quality. Horses with clinical disease had images evaluated for the presence of abnormalities.

RESULTS:
The CRASH protocol could be performed in healthy and diseased horses in a hospital, barn, and competition settings within 5.5 to 6.9 minutes on average. Thoracic windows were obtained most consistently, followed by right parasternal long axis echocardiographic windows. Abnormalities detected most frequently with the CRASH protocol were pleural fluid, lung consolidation, B lines, and moderateto-severe left-sided heart disease.

CONCLUSIONS:
The designed CRASH protocol is feasible for use in various groups of horses and can be completed in a timely manner and frequently identifies sonographic abnormalities. The diagnostic accuracy and potential of the CRASH protocol to improve veterinary care of horses merits further systematic evaluation. ANIMALS: Six healthy foals from a university teaching herd.

METHODS:
A prospective, randomised cross-over study evaluated NIV in sedated foals with low (2 and 4 cm H 2 O) and high PEEP (4, 7 and 10 cm H 2 O) protocols. Spirometry and arterial blood gas analysis were used to assess respiratory function and gas exchange, respectively.
Physiological dead space (VD phys ) and volume of CO 2 exhaled per breath (VCO 2 /br) were determined using volumetric capnography.
Pulmonary aeration and lung volume were determined by computer tomography.

RESULTS
: NIV was associated with decreased respiratory rate and increased tidal volume (both P<0.001); no change was observed in VD phys . Arterial oxygenation increased (P=0.011) with higher PEEP values, and no changes in carbon dioxide partial pressures were observed. VCO 2 /br, pulmonary aeration and lung volume increased in a dose-dependent manner with higher PEEP settings. METHODS: Retrospective case-series; medical records were analyzed from dairy cattle undergoing flotation between 2000-2020. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association of clinical variables with survival to discharge.

CONCLUSIONS
RESULTS: Eighty-nine of 190 (47%) recumbent cattle survived. Cattle that were unable to walk out of the tank after their first float session were 0.10 (95% CI, 0.03, 0.25) times less likely to survive compared to cattle that could. Inappetent cattle were 0.21 (95% CI, 0.07, 0.58) times less likely to survive compared to cattle with normal appetites.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Diagnosis, behavioral factors during first float session, and appetite are associated with outcome in non-ambulatory dairy cattle treated by flotation. These findings can be used to determine likely case outcome and assist with decisions concerning treatment, referral, or euthanasia.